dark knight Archives - JCW Adventures

Building The Ultimate R56: Weekend & Road Warrior

Ali Mir — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 21:00:15 +0000

I was get asked what mods are on my JCW and WHY haven’t you lowered or remapped it yet etc. But to be honest I have always been happy with the way it drove and handled given I had only been on one track before I brought my JCW. However as we all know and lie to ourselves as MINI is never stock for long. This my take on money no object on building the ultimate R56 for the road and track with OEM parts only but with a select aftermarket parts for it to be liveable on a daily basis along with track shenanigans as well.

I have often pondered about this about in my spare time and looking around the show and race scene how I could make my JCW go faster whilst snapping people’s necks as they looked at me rolling bye. DUECES.
First things first we need a body in white which would be a Cooper S/JCW Chassis as it would be easier given I would slot in a new heart in the engine compartment. With the bare chassis I would mate it with the familiar engine with a french twist from the Peugeot RCZ-R as the 1.6 THP turbocharged petrol engine generates 270 Bhp & 330NM (same mini engine in R56 taken up a notch with less problems but this RCZ-R is basically a poor man’s Audi TT).

This feat was achieved from engineering innovations from using Formula One grade forged aluminium pistons and an uprated clutch. Yet in the RCZ-R It achieves up to 44.8mpg and CO2 emissions of just 145g/km which isn’t so bad given the MINI will be lighter and faster on its toes. To keep this power in check Peugeot Torsen limited Slip differential and 380 mm brake discs will make in significant difference in corner entry and exit spends which is where all the fun happens.

I would keep the diff but add in the GP2 brakes to keep the wheels at 17 inch diameter but add in the BMW 135i performance brake discs which are perforated and grooved for better track cooling plus they look cooler (GP2 brakes are basically 135i brakes). The RCZ gearbox would come along with it to cope with the power but would be changed to have short throw with a simple mod for shaper gear changes but better engine performance on track a Forged intercooler would be installed to eliminate heat soak. The GP2 coilovers would be dropped in to lower the car whilst giving comfort for OEM keeping but part of me would be gripping towards getting KW Clubsports because they come with adjustable top mounts and will perform better on track and road compared to the Bilsteins due to the adjustments.

To keep this looney daily on the ground the GP2 diffuser and front under tray would be fitted along with eye candy GP2 rear spoiler all of which have been tested by MINI engineers in winder tunnels and on the green hell. This is one part that is most often overlooked the interior where you send all your time therefore we are going with the JCW Recaro buckets seats with half Alcantara and leather as they offer perfect bolstering and look the business. When I was specin my JCW there wasn’t this option at the time so leather dashboard would have been selected along with Alcantara rear seating which were made available when the newer GP2 seats arrived.

Like I said in the title this would be a weekend warrior so I would remove the rear seats and installed the GP2 rear seat delete when I went on full day track days or across Europe for longer MINI adventures. Carbon fibre dash pieces, gear knob, hand brake, door pulls and steering wheel insert as ever go fast faster interior needs carbon fibre. I preferred the GP2 steering as it was thicker and leather had a better feel to the touch but to make it have that extra touch it would go off to LG Trimming for an added touch of BMW Java Green stripe. I would request further work for the lower dash pads and door armrests to be re-trimmed in leather to match the steering wheel with the neon green stitching. Lawrence has worked on a lot of awarding cars but the most famous is the LEX’s R53

The neon green is being used to keep in the theme of batman universe as my JCW other nickname within the MINI would be the DARK KNIGHT because of my childhood obsession. This JCW would be called the THE JOKER aka MR J hence I would go custom paint of bringing pack the much-loved Black Eye Purple/BMW Techno Violet for the add MINIdividuality. To insure MR J was noticed I would have HA HA HA green decals on the rear quarters along with a private number plate – MR11 JKR.

As Mr J has distinctive laugh it which can heard a mile away its only fair a challenge back box be fitted to this JCW to bring the NOISE. From what I have heard the challenge box on a stock R56 JCW is significantly louder than normal JCW without being annoying on daily usage but will set off car alarms if you wish ; P The noise wont be just coming from outside but from the inside as I have HK system have installed but a nice modern twist to the central speedo by removing and wiring in a mini iPad for greater customisation. The idea is to relay oil & coolant temps etc for track use and better navigation,video and music play back for daily use and MINI adventures.

As this is a money no object project I would get some custom forged P101 HRE wheels in satin black to show off the java green calipers so there was no JOKE this MINI meant business with all its cards on the table. All the plastic arches/exterior trim would be colour coded to the body paint for the seamless look with the GP2 diffuser painted satin black for added uniqueness. Carbon fibre Bi-Xenon light from Duell AG with halo lights along MINI’s DRL lights so you can see this Villain in your rear view.VIS racing carbon fibre hood would aid cooling and lightened the front end given this animal is running a lot more power than normal. I would have fully open bonnet scoop to allow more air along with the MINI Challenge bonnet scoop cooling vent to force more air over the turbo.

Finally touches would be custom badging with the JCW badge to be removed from the front and rear but the rear would have a custom badge which would resemble GP badge but with the words JK. All the chrome line interior trims would be painted matte purple and just like dashboard in my JCW would be customised to depict joker famous scene from the dark knight trilogy. The roof would be skinned in carbon fibre with gloss finish and my Surrey new mini club GP styles numbers in charcoal grey just for old-time sake.

What would be your take if money was no object? Would go BECAUSE RACE CAR, STANCE NATION, 1 OF 1 or just build the MINI of your dreams from the configurator.
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The post Building The Ultimate R56: Weekend & Road Warrior appeared first on JCW Adventures.

The BIG MINI Adventure: MINI TAKES THE STATES 2014

Ali Mir — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 09:34:15 +0000

The MINI community is a like second family to me bringing me together with the greatest and NOT NORMAL individuals far and wide together.

Its been 3 years of MINI Madness with my JCW and nearly 2 years since I started my blog.

I brought my JCW unwittingly knowing I would travel across the UK & International to meet with fellow MINIacs.

It was a life changing event when I did MINI UNITED 2012, which gave birth to my blog and created my passion for all things MINI.

Along the way I have gained new friends and followers alike who cant wait to meet me, read or see what I have been up to.

It is the passion of the MINI community which has kept me going through the happy times and the sad ones.

I am truly grateful to call you my friends as all of you are like family to me as your comments and message have always put a smile on my face.

Late 2013 I came across this LITTLE but LARGER than life MINIac called LilCoopr on Instragram.

I have always thought I was the only MINIac writing about his adventures but little did I know this Canadian candy has been at since 2005 ps I do like a bit of competition – www.lilcoopr.com

I began speaking to Christina and it was apparent the MINI Passion ran deep as swapped stories on how it all began and our current MINIs. As we Skyped away and sent each other dumb witty messages on every social media platform possible, it was strange to feel such as a connection with someone I had never meant before. Every time we talk its like an occasion some what reminiscent of when you catch up with an old friend but any communication begins that ‘HEY Ali!’ which always puts a smile on my face : D

Sometimes I would look down to see how long we had been talking to find we spoke for 4 hours or my phone battery is literally dying with 4% battery life left.

I wish I could record half of the conversations we have as hilarity ensues every time we talk.

I wasn’t happy about MINI UNITED not happening in 2014 which I can forgive given the release of the F56. This lead on to the discussions of when would be the next one? Psssst MINI make sure its in Germany as I want to go around the Nurburgring and hit the autobahns

To my amazement Christina has been to virtually all of them expect one!!! She missed out on 2005 in Misano, Italy because of university exams. This means I have physically walked past her a few times without knowing back in 2009 and 2012!!! Its truly is a MINI World.

Here is what makes it even more mind-boggling, she stood a meer few feet away from while Paddy Hopkirk spoke about his Monte Carlo win. She has actually interviewed GP Garry (one of the members of the fast five) at MINI UNITED 2012 about his infamous speeding ticket in Monaco. I must have been off somewhere else but I did see someone in quite distinctive pink clothing hmmm

Personally I only work in black. And sometimes very very dark grey

This lead to the discussion of me having the urge to go on a MINI Adventure and wanting to go to the US given 50% of my followers are from the US. I thought there would be no other better way to meet them than on a road trip in a MINI.

Christina told me all about MINI TAKES THE STATES from the destinations and MINI Mates she has made along the way. I was SOLD and the planning began for the trip in 2014 with registration, flights, hotels etc.

This is gonna be another trip of a lifetime being surround by MINIs & MINIacs!!! In all honesty who wants to sit on the beach, relax and get a tan. Right?

Can this top MINI UNITED 2012??? I drove on the greatest roads within Europe with arguable the greatest MINIacs ever??

But don’t worry I wont be alone as Christine and Phil of the Fast Five will be joining me to fly the flag for the UK on this trip

We will be more like the 3 amigos this time as only 3 of the fast five will be in attendance

I have partnered with White roof radio to do MTTS 2014, I will be riding shotgun in a selection of MINIs throughout the road trip.

What is White roof radio???

The World Famous White Roof Radio is Don Burnside, Todd Pearson, Gabe Bridger, Nathaniel Salzman and Chad Miller. Every week they get together and talk about MINI Cooper news and information like they like to do.

Basically its a Podcast about all things MINI which goes live every week with the latest and greatest MINI news. There always seems to something GP related or the topic steers towards that…

The podcast was started by Don Burnside because he wanted to contribute something to the MINI community above and beyond his personal motoring blog and being more curious than the average bear, Don Burnside (db) decided to jump on the podcasting bandwagon.

He started with an awful tour of his site, followed by a not-quite-as-bad review of online music services. But something was missing.

Enter Todd Pearson. He had the same idea about doing a podcast. He actually heard db’s first 2 and had done 1 on his own. He emailed and asked if db would be interested in joining forces. Of course he did! But he was right in the middle of figuring out how to do the intro for #2. So, he ignored him.

Got #3 all finished up with quite a few positive comments. Then db went ahead and contacted Todd about doing that joint podcast he mentioned.

They did #4, which caught the attention of ace MINI news guy Gabe Bridger who kindly posted a link to their first joint effort and shortly thereafter was the first guest of the podcast.

The rest, as they say, is history.

I have spoken to Don over the last few years so its gonna be weird finally meeting after talking to him by email and online

But fear not you will be able to spot me from a MILE away with my infamous black hat and my dashing good looks accompanied by my apparent sexy English accent

Don’t shy away from saying Hi to me as I will be more than happy to talk and see your MINI too

My first question will be ‘Manual or Auto?’ so be ready to answer correctly with Manual ; )

I will be bringing some custom MINI Swag with me so keep an eye out for some random freebies

Sadly my love of my life aka The Misses aka The Dark Knight aka my JCW wont be joining on the MINI BIG Adventure due to the cost of £3,000 to ship her over

Make sure you are subscribed to my Facebook, Instagram and Youtube channel as we will be vlogging, post images and videos of my trip from start to finish.

Our Facebook & Instagram account will be regularly updated with images and info of what I am doing

All that is left now is for me to touch down in San Francisco to go all the way!!!

10,000 plus miles, 18 states, 15 cities, 2 infamous MINIacs, 1 MINI and 1 epic road trip

MTTS Coverage

JCW Adventures – Facebook

JCW Adventures – Youtube

JCW Adventures – Instagram

Lilcoopr – Facebook

Lilcoopr – Youtube

Lilcoopr – Instagram

The post The BIG MINI Adventure: MINI TAKES THE STATES 2014 appeared first on JCW Adventures.

Behind the Lens: Modern MINI Magazine Photoshoot

Ali Mir — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 18:52:13 +0000

I didn’t think I would be here when I went into the dealers to spec my JCW. Little did I know my choices and persona would translate in my JCW being loved the world over. I was that kid who picked up car magazine and flicked through them, wondering one day I could own a car just like that. Modern MINI Magazine gave me that chance for my JCW to grace its cover for MINI owners and for some kid to look up to my JCW.

I have always said that my JCW changed my life and it did, when I showed you ‘My MINI Story’ late 2013. The road to this moment was hard given the pain in 2011 but it was a blessing in disguise with my JCW keeping me going. Along the way the JCW has changed and so have I with the people I have met across the world. I still scratch my head on how a car can bring so many different people together because of their love of MINI.

It’s soon coming to 3 years since I drove my JCW out of the showroom and BT11 WRK was brought into the world, so I wanted to do something special to mark this occasion. I contacted MINI Modern Magazine about having a feature and asked for some tips on becoming a automotive journalist and Sarah didn’t shy away from helping me. I truly appreciated her advice and took it forward be contacting various local newspapers and media outlets for a freelance or voluntary roles but sadly I was unsuccessful so I carried on with my website.

Some people have mocked it, I have told my big organisations my publication isn’t big enough to allow me access to events and I have been called a ‘talented amateur’. From all those negatives all it takes for a single person to come over to me at show just say I have read the blog and follow you on instagram for it all to vanish. It’s the passion within me that drives me, the loyal supporters and that random person saying ‘Nice car’.

People have asked why the batman references in my online presence and JCW? Because Bruce Wayne lost everything dear to him and all that money he couldn’t do anything. Yet through his pain, suffering and angry he was shaped into The Batman a character which I have watched from my childhood to the present day. The caped crusader has battled with his inner demons and his direct opposite The Joker whilst sticking to his strict code of not killing and doing the right thing. I could do on for days I how draw upon this fictional character but I secretly wished I was a billionaire philanthropist and had my own Alfred.

Will you wanting the Batpod, Sir? In the Middle of the day Alfred not very subtle. The JCW then?

You can read into as much as you want about me or Batman but the ‘Dark Knight’ nickname wasn’t given to my JCW by me but instead of other MINI owners after meeting me. But you will have to wait a bit longer for me tell you the meaning behind my Instagram name of D4rkhorse…

The email came through in the middle of the 2013 nearing the end of the show season, Modern MINI Magazine wanted to do a feature on my JCW and wanted arrange a date for the shoot. I was contacted by James Wallace aka Jimbo a freelance car photographer who is outright car nut!

Here is his story

I’ve loved cars and everything with wheels ever since I could bury Micro Machines and Matchbox cars in my Mum and Dad’s garden as a littl’un.

That genuine passion and enthusiasm for everything automotive miraculously turned into a job as the Deputy Editor for VW GOLF+ magazine back in 2003. Fast forward to 2010 and the decision to try my hand as a freelance snapper and writer has seen my work published in Performance VW, Volksworld, Camper + Bus, Miniworld, Classic American, VW GOLF+, Total BMW, Fast Car, Performance BMW. Redline and Retro Car magazines.

Primarily it’s a passion before a job and the people who have spent months, years, even decades building their dream machines deserve someone who cares about the results as much as they do

Top Bloke!

For more info here is his website

You see what I mean that he loves his car and being around them so you can imagine the time he had around me and the JCW.

With a time and date set, I got my Mr Miyagi on for my JCW’s big day

The next day James arrived at my house so we could travel together to my photo shoot location of choice and as luck would have it rained : /

With introductions done and the JCW met we rolled out together to Cannock Chase the location of the photo shoot. The CQuartz coating and CarPro Reload were working their magic at motorway speeds as the beading was insane as the JCW was self drying. By the time we got the Cannock Chase all I had to do was to blast the JCW with a quick detailer and she was ready to go.

You might be wondering what Cannock Chase is?

Cannock Chase is located between Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley and Stafford. It comprises a mixture of natural deciduous woodland, coniferous plantations, open heathland and the remains of early industry, such as coal mining. In short its like a national park/area of beauty but it happens to have long straights and some twisites which was perfect for my shoot as I didn’t want the generic parking lot or graffiti wall backdrop as I am NOT NORMAL.

I found a spot which was perfect because it allowed plenty of space for different shooting angles, backdrops and rolling shots.

I parked up her up to the backdrop of the forest and clear blue skies

Jimbo whipped out his camera gear and began working his magic whilst all the walkers, cyclists and drivers buzzing around came to a stand still as they saw the flashes and peperami action (that’s not a typo – Ali G movie reference).

We had a great little chats about how I went about choosing a JCW after I test drove a lot of cars before settling on ordering a JCW

Jimbo had a few cheeky stories to tell which brought a smirk to my face as he said the birds love the MINI

I dived into the history of my JCW, MINI UNITED 2012, national geographic shoot and all the people have met along the way

The feature on my JCW is for everyone to see how my MINI changed my life and that is more than the some of its parts while being a personification of my personality.

What I loved about working with James was hee understood that every car has past and every owner has a story.

He wasn’t mucking about when he was taking SHOTS as he began to lying down on wet mud???

I was like what are you doing mate? I can great a shot from down here!

You sure James? Yeah I am fine mate

What about your clothes? Doesn’t matter

A real photographer and car lover going above and beyond his duty

As we began getting some great shots it started to rain so everything got packed away but we were back at again it as it was short sharp showers but it was a constant battle as mother nature had other ideas. I was constantly drying down my JCW whilst James was trying not to get the gear all soaked whilst flashing away with the camera.

After all the still shots were done we went for some rolling shots as I wanted to show off the DRLs given the lack of MINIs having them plus I knew a nice little section of road with a banking corner which would look amazing. Yet again it rained and whilst James sat amongst the grass, mud, stones and drive by traffic near the road like a ninja and took shots of the JCW coming full throttle out the bends and driving past him as I went the other way for multiple runs.

As the batteries and memory cards filled up or ran of juice the shoot came to an end with me only seeing a few images on the little camera back screen I knew I had to wait till the next issue of Modern MINI Magazine before I would see them which made the drive home gut wrenching.

As the days rolled past and last event of the MINI show came to a close and winter drew in everything was quiet expect my inbox when James emailed back saying the write up needs to done to fill the pages of my feature. I filled in the questionnaire and sent it back which was returned with a phone call from James saying you couldn’t have it even more passionate if you hand the keys to me for a week. I am just happy to share my story with everyone and I hope everyone enjoys reading as I am only a newcomer to the MINI scene since the summer of 2012.

To mark the 2nd year anniversary of jcwadventures.com I will be flying over to the states to do MINI TAKES THE STATES but I will be bringing along two members of The Fast Five (Christine and Phil) so look out for the infamous black and English accent. I am riding shotgun with LilCoopr aka Christina in her Cooper S Convertible ‘Stell4’ and I couldn’t think of a better person do the trip with!!! She is another MINIac who has deep-rooted passion for the brand and our MINIs are very much personification of our individuality.

Why not ship over The Misses? I looked into it and it came to £3,000 which is too much consider without me selling a kidney

I am most looking forward to meeting alot of my US Instagram followers and supporters of the website

Back to the flashing lights! My JCW will be gracing the cover Modern MINI Magazine on this month – 28.03.14

It is available to buy in all good news stand and news agents in the UK

For the digital techies and international readers it is available to digital download on the App store & Android by searching for – Modern MINI Magazine

I would like to give a special thank you to Sarah of Modern MINI Magazine for publishing my JCW and being great person to talk for advice and all things MINI.

James thanks you for making The Misses look sexy and putting up with the rubbish weather. I don’t know how you put with me for a few hours but I am truly thankful for the shots and immortalising my JCW to pages of Modern MINI Magazine.

www.modernmini.co.uk

Next Blog Post: F56, GP2 & R56 model range reviews

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